Reelfoot Lake State Park to Host 2013 Junior Ranger Camp

June Camp Offered for Ages 6-12

TIPTONVILLE, Tenn. – Reelfoot Lake State Park will host a Junior Ranger Camp June 3-7 for ages 6 to 12. Junior Rangers will spend the week learning about local wildlife, water quality and safety, first aid and how to start a fire and build a shelter.

The week-long camp will be held from 1 - 4:30 p.m. each day and is part of Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger Program – offering excellent educational opportunities, designed to foster a love of nature and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.  Activities will include:

• Monday: Welcome and Wildlife Day – Pelts, eagles, reptiles and a boardwalk hike
• Tuesday: Boating Safety – Water safety and a pontoon boat ride
• Wednesday: Survival Day – Fire starting, shelter building and first aid
• Thursday: Duck Commander Day – Waterfowl identification, duck calling and a duck decoy painting contest
• Friday: Water Day – Water quality and fishing

Campers will need comfortable, sturdy footwear for each day’s activities. All Junior Rangers should apply sunscreen before arrival at the day camp each day and will need to bring additional sunscreen, daily water and snacks, a hat or cap, and small backpack.

The June camp is open to the first 40 applicants. To register for the camp, contact Park Manager Alisha Weber at Alisha.Weber@tn.gov or at (731) 253-8003.

There are two ways to become an official Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger. Interested kids ages 6-14 may attend a Junior Ranger Camp, slated for June and July at various parks throughout the state; or complete a series of activities found in the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide. The sign-up process is easy. To get started, sign up for a Junior Ranger Camp by contacting the office of participating state parks. Free Junior Ranger Adventure Guides are available at any state park. To download a copy of the Adventure Guide or to find upcoming Junior Ranger Camps in your area, visit www.tnstateparks.com/junior_ranger.  

The state parks’ Junior Ranger Program is designed with flexibility in mind so that participants can choose their own path and set their own pace. Junior Rangers, along with their families, can enjoy exploring parks, touring visitor centers, attending park programs, hiking the trails and experiencing all the fun and exciting adventures Tennessee’s great state parks have to offer.

Designated a national natural landmark, Reelfoot Lake was created by a series of violent New Madrid fault zone earthquakes in northwest Tennessee during the winter of 1811-1812. Reelfoot Lake State Park offers outstanding recreational activities, such as wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, hunting and hiking. The park is located in Lake and Obion counties near Tiptonville. The park’s 280 acres are divided into 10 segments along 22 miles of the Reelfoot Lake shoreline. The park’s visitor and interpretive centers, auditorium, picnic and camping areas are located along State Highways 21 and 22. More information about Reelfoot Lake State Park can be found at www.tnstateparks.com.  

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